human minds are incapable of grasping the full magnitude of these things or comprehending their true nature and manner, even though they are created. How much more so, then, when it comes to the Creator—Glorified is He? He is too great and majestic for minds to know the true nature of His attributes or for human understanding to comprehend His grandeur and majesty. Hence, the sunnah prohibits reflecting upon Allah Himself, for thought and reason cannot grasp the true nature of His attributes. Allah is far greater than that. The Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “Reflect upon Allah’s blessings, but do not reflect upon Allah—Mighty and Majestic.”1
The reflection commanded here, as Ibn al-Qayyim—may Allah have mercy on him—explains, consists of bringing two pieces of knowledge to mind in order to derive a third from them.2 This becomes clear through an example: when a Muslim calls to mind the immensity of these created things—the heavens, the earth, the Footstool, the Throne, and the like—and then calls to mind his inability to comprehend or encompass them, he thereby arrives at a third realization: the greatness and grandeur of the Creator of these things, and the inability of human minds to grasp His attributes or encompass His qualities—Glorified is He. He says:
“And say, ‘All praise belongs to Allah, Who has not taken a son, Who has no partner in His dominion, and Who has no protector on account of weakness. Proclaim His greatness immensely.’”3
Allah is indeed the Greatest; abundant praise belongs to Allah; and glory be to Allah morning and evening.